New Dietitians Act Introduced

A new dietitians act introduced today, Oct. 21, will update the licensing process, define the profession's role and responsibilities, and help ensure the public's interest is protected through establishment of a new professional college.

"The former Professional Dietitians Act has remained substantially unchanged since 1990 and needs to be replaced by modern legislation that serves the public interest," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald.

The new act will define the scope of practice of dietitians and address standards of practice. It will require all practitioners to be licensed, unlike the previous act.

It will also establish the Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists whose primary responsibility will be to serve and protect the public interest. The board of the college will include public members.

The new act is supported by the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association whose membership approved a draft of the act at their May 2009 annual general meeting.

"Our members are pleased with the new act which will give us legislation similar to other health professions in Nova Scotia," said Jennifer Hutchinson, president of the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association. "This act will enable licensed nutritionists and dietitians to practice to their full scope of practice which will be of benefit to their patients."